Ontario ports' expansion Optimism is widespread AUGUST 2025 www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca MARKET DEVELOPMENT OCTOBER 2025
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23 Business side Conversations with business experts 19 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists OCTOBER 2025 volume 17, number 1 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER is published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Creative Specialist: Nicole Koopstra; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne 6 ON THE COVER Stormy skies ahead Treena Hein WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2024 From the CEO’s desk FEEDING THE WORLD 4 A year in review Laura Ferrier 10 Market review 2022 - 2023 Blair Andrews 12 Business side Conversations with business experts 9 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 16 What do Canadians think about food? Mary Feldskov 14 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 23 European trade policies Ontario Grain Farmer 18 More winter barley acres Matt McIntosh 20 Grain contracts guide Mary Feldskov 22 Ontario Agricultural Conference 2024 Ontario Grain Farmer 24 Stronger leadership Rachel Telford 26 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign 30 Farming for world hunger Rebecca Hannam 28 172024 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS CHECK HERE FOR DATES AND TIMES DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 volume 15, number 3 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERis published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Production Co-ordinator: Kim Ratz; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne BIODEGRADABLE POLY 15-03 OGF DecemberJanuary 2023-24_OnGrainFarmer 2023-11-09 11:04 AM Page 3 4 From the CEO’s desk 20 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 38 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign Ontario ports’ expansion Owen Roberts 6On the cover MARKET DEVELOPMENT 10 Market development always a work in progress Ralph Pearce 14 A reputation for quality Hayley Vinkovic 16 The whiskey circle Andrea Fujarczuk 26 Fixing gaps in Canada’s agricultural innovation ecosystem Matt McIntosh 29 Building demand for food-grade soybeans Treena Hein AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32 June 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025 LOOKING BACK 24 Fifteen years of market development Ontario Grain Farmer
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER FROM THE CEO’S DESK 4 From the CEO's desk With a 15-year track record of delivering results for Ontario’s 28,000 grain farmers—through government relations, market development, research, member outreach, agronomy extension, and building public trust—it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together. You can read highlights from the past year in our 2025 annual report, available in full at www.gfo.ca/about. At the meeting, we debuted a new video highlighting the importance of port infrastructure (watch it on the Grain Farmers of Ontario YouTube channel, @grainfarmersontario), debated resolutions, and reviewed our financial statements from the last fiscal year (see page 32). Grain Farmers of Ontario chair, Jeff Harrison, along with Paul Hoekstra, vice president of strategic development, and I provided updates on key issues, and we shared greetings from the provincial and federal agriculture ministers who were unable to attend in person. The day concluded with a visit to Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, a highlight of the fall farm show season. The following week, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a lunch for provincial MPPs at the International Plowing Match. Directors and staff shared your priorities with MPPs from all parties. Congratulations to the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and the hundreds of volunteers that put on this incredible event. While we had much to celebrate, we recognize that this crop season has brought significant challenges for many of our members. Difficult spring planting conditions, variable weather during critical growing stages, and drought in some areas mean that the 2025 crop is expected to be smaller than last year’s. In August, Trevor Jones, the provincial agriculture minister, and local MPPs visited Jeff Harrison’s farm in Quinte West to learn more about the impact of drought conditions across the province. While the full impact won’t be known until harvest is complete, we understand the stress and uncertainty this brings to farmers and their families. Grain Farmers of Ontario is committed to supporting you through these challenges. We continue to advocate for increased business risk management support and provide timely agronomic guidance through webinars, member alerts, and weekly e-news updates. Please contact your district director or member relations staff if you have concerns or want more information. Farming is inherently demanding, and we know that low commodity prices, lower yields, and unpredictable weather can take a heavy toll—not just on operations, but on your mental well-being. Your mental health matters. Please reach out to family, friends, or professional services if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope. Resources and support are available at www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness. Together, we will navigate these challenges, just as we have celebrated our successes. • Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario On September 9, Grain Farmers of Ontario celebrated a successful 2024–2025 fiscal year at our annual general meeting in Woodstock.
Owen Roberts Ontario ports' expansion Optimism is widespread Optimism is a key characteristic of grain market transportation in Ontario right now, driven by extensive port and terminal expansion taking place across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 6 CSL Welland loading Ontario-grown soybeans in the Port of Oshawa/HOPA Ports
continued on page 8 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 7 Significant investments by private industry, as well as the federal and provincial governments, have put the grain sector well ahead of others in contemplating how to navigate this era of global uncertainty and troubled geopolitics. Such instability has shone a light on the infrastructure underpinning food security, increasing the appreciation and understanding of the Seaway and port expansion plans. Dana Dickerson, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s director of market development and sustainability, notes other inland grainproducing regions, particularly Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest, count mostly on rail to move grain. “The seaway and its ports are a rare and unparalleled transportation asset in the grain sector and in close promixity to our growing region give Ontario farmers a leg up,” she says. “They minimize risk…they’re an incredible advantage.” Adds Grain Farmers of Ontario chief executive officer, Crosby Devitt: “Ontario has a rich history of port and terminal development. Some of the infrastructure was built more than a century ago, and it’s critical that it be modernized to ensure it’s available for the next 100 years. The growth in grain production in Ontario has created many opportunities for grain handlers, exporters, and processors, and we all have a stake in keeping the momentum.” Grain Farmers of Ontario is vigorously supporting port expansion by participating in inbound and outbound trade missions, supporting business case development, and helping port and grain terminal project proponents advocate to the government to unlock development barriers and attract investment. Dickerson says domestic and foreign grain customers have taken note of the port and terminal activity. “They’re really impressed with what they’re seeing,” she says. “The investment, the technology, the attention to detail by the industry is getting buyers’ attention. It’s really striking when you look at the big picture of what’s happening in Ontario, and we want to help unlock development opportunities by emphasizing our farmers’ reliability, consistency, and sustainability.” The expansion effort features many significant developments. TRADE-ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE IN HAMILTON AND OSHAWA Agri-food commodities shipped through the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) reached a combined total of 3.42 million tonnes last year, maintaining agri-food’s position as a cornerstone of HOPA’s cargo mix. Agri-food now represents 31 per cent of total cargo volume, driven by a decade of what the organization calls “investment in trade-enabling infrastructure.” Parrish and Heimbecker (P&H) is a major player here. In Hamilton, P&H realized a milestone in 2017 with the opening of Ontario’s first new flour mill in 75 years. By 2020, the addition of a second mill doubled its processing capacity. Now, with a third mill under construction, P&H continues to meet the rising demand for quality ingredients in the baking and food manufacturing industries. Construction is expected to be completed late this year. This expansion also includes two new storage silos for handling essential feed ingredients such as soymeal, distillers dried grains, and wheat to service the flour mills. Meanwhile, at the Port of Oshawa, the newly expanded grain terminal there now offers 20,000 tonnes of storage capacity and features a sell loading rate of up to 12,000 tonnes per day. A new dual truck unloading structure, capable of receiving 700 tonnes of grain per hour, will streamline deliveries and minimize delays. The facility also has weather protection and a modern dust control system. In 2024, the Port of Oshawa received more than 54,000 tonnes of grain from regional farmers for export to international markets. GODERICH POISED FOR HUGE EXPANSION ANNOUNCEMENT The increasingly busy Port of Goderich, which currently welcomes about 220 ships annually, is poised for a huge expansion announcement that could come as soon as October 2025. Goderich Port Management Corporation president, Frank Hurkmans, says the pieces are firmly in place for an 11-acre, $65-million expansion that will make the port a container-receipt terminal on top of its other functions, handling as many as 10,000 containers annually. Hurkmans describes it as a “shovel-ready project,” and pending funding approvals, this expansion would wrap up in the fall of 2028. Hurkmans expects grain to continue to comprise about 20 per cent of the material handled by the port. However, container capacity means significantly more agricultural products, such as fertilizer “Agri-food commodities shipped through the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) reached a combined total of 3.42 million tonnes last year, maintaining agri-food’s position as a cornerstone of HOPA’s cargo mix.
and seed, will pass through the port, improving access for southern Ontario producers and agribusiness. Hurkmans and his team are also working to raise $3 million to rebuild the port’s agri-dome, which was destroyed in the 2011 tornado that levelled much of the town. Plans call for the agri-dome to provide 30,000 tonnes of sheltered holding capacity. And finally, this year the port’s winter shore-power-ready berthing capacity will grow to moor five ships, up from two last year. That’s a boon to the local economy and a nod to the port’s capabilities. “We’re running at 110 per cent,” says Hurkmans, “and we’re running out of space. We’re anxious to grow our footprint.” JOHNSTOWN: BUILDING A SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTION At the Port of Johnstown, 100 kilometres south of Ottawa, V6 Agronomy is building what it calls a low-carbon terminal. From this facility, V6 will receive, store, and distribute a range of critical crop inputs, including enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and commercial phosphates—a nutrient essential to modern agriculture and one that Canada currently produces none of domestically. The $2.6-million initial structure, for which construction began in July, will support vessel discharge capacity up to 18,000 tonnes. It’s the first of four planned buildings that will collectively store up to 150,000 tonnes of crop input materials on-site. “We're doing more than building a structure—we're building a supply chain solution,” says Ryan Brophy, CEO of V6 Agronomy. “This is a new chapter ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 8 continued from page 7 for Canadian agriculture, where resilience, efficiency, and international trade intersect in a circular, farmer-first corridor. We're eliminating inefficiencies, reducing emissions, and leveraging assets that already exist. Marine, rail, and storage in one place." Brophy says the terminal marks phase one of a broader national infrastructure strategy. As he explains, Canadian farmers have long depended on U.S. imports routed through New Orleans and the Mississippi corridor, creating price and timing vulnerabilities. Now, V6 Agronomy's facility will help re-shore that dependency while connecting directly to the Canadian prairies by rail and to local farms by truck, using a turnkey vessel-to-rail and rail-to-vessel configuration. In collaboration with CN Rail, V6 is implementing a circular logistics model to reduce empty rail and vessel returns. Outbound phosphate shipments by rail will be paired with return loads of Canadian lentils, pulses, potash, grains, and sulphur, all high-demand commodities in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. The initial structure is expected to be complete this year. V6 Agronomy is seeking strategic capital to accelerate infrastructure development and build national distribution capacity. PORT WINDSOR EXPANSION SCHEDULED TO WRAP UP SHORTLY A $76-million expansion at Port Windsor by ADM is scheduled to wrap up shortly. The expansion is a “transformative project” that will significantly increase ADM’s export capacity to global markets and support agricultural production from southwestern Ontario farmers, says Dane Lisser, ADM’s media relations manager. Several of the phases of the construction project are complete, with one portion expected to be operational this fall. The company received $26.3 million from Ottawa for this project. “We tremendously value Transport Canada’s partnership and financial support of the expansion project,” Lisser says NEW BULK TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION IN PICTON A new bulk agricultural marine terminal at Picton Terminals in Prince Edward County will support eastern Ontario farmers by offering a closer, more efficient delivery option for their corn, wheat, and soybeans. CSL Welland loading Ontario-grown soybeans in the Port of Oshawa/HOPA Ports
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 9 Scan to discover why cost of potassium is FREE! Your pH correction, with potassium included. Save a dime, choose KaLime. Talk to your Agro-100 representative or Ag retailer. agro_KaLime_OntGrainFarmer_half_OCT2025_05.indd 1 2025-08-05 10:59 The new terminal, a joint effort by the Doornekamp Group (Picton Terminals’ operator) and P&H, is designed to significantly reduce travel time for local farmers, alleviate truck traffic on Highway 401 and enhance the overall efficiency of the agricultural supply chain. With high throughput and rapid turnover capabilities, this facility is designed to meet the needs of the region’s farmers while expanding P&H’s export capacity, which currently serves customers in 24 countries. The construction of storage silos and receiving buildings is underway. The project is slated for completion next year. PORT COLBORNE RESIDENTS WANT GRAIN HUB In Port Colborne, the city is inviting what it calls “new, creative, and/or innovative perspectives” on how its aging 125-year-old grain terminal and surrounding property on the shores of Lake Erie can best be operated or developed. Ownership of the grain terminal was transferred from the Canada Ports Corporation to the City of Port Colborne in 1999. For the past 10 years, Parrish and Heimbecker, the Great Lakes’ largest grain handler, was the facility’s proprietor. But the company ended that arrangement last December, and it’s been empty since. So now what? In late winter, 500-plus citizens surveyed by the city said they think it’s important for the facility to continue operating as a hub for shipping grain, versus some other commercial or industrial development. That sounds like a good idea. Gary Long, Port Colborne’s director of development and government relations, says the facility is in an ideal location for shipping grain. It offers multi-modal transportation options with a dock wall for marine traffic, an active rail spur to the terminal, and an adjacent road for trucks. The location of the Grain Terminal on Lake Erie and at the south end of the Welland Canal allows for near year-round shipping to North American markets. However, estimates range up to $10 million to modernize the facility, although Long says it could be up and running for a fraction of that cost. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 10 Since last March, media outlets, social media and consumers have been calling for new trading partners and counter-tariffs against the U.S., as if they’re new concepts or that trade with Canada’s closest geographical partner is treasonous. Neither is true. Instead, market development is and has been a prominent focus for the agri-food industry, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario, Cereals Canada and Soy Canada. For Dana Dickerson, the first step is acknowledging that there is no replacing the U.S. – or China. In spite of spirited “elbows up” references, Dickerson contends Ralph Pearce Market development always a work in progress Building an international customer base Contrary to current proclamations about protecting Canadian sovereignty, George Morris’s comment rings true, even today. Market development for Canadian agricultural commodities continues, but trade talk often revolves around breaking ties with the U.S. or China, and “finding our own way” with other countries. However, the messaging about global trade ignores historical and economic realities: free or liberalized trade has been part of the agri-food landscape in Canada for decades. Trying to change that is counterproductive and prone to failure due to its evolution. all sectors of Canadian agriculture must maintain trade with those two markets, even if it requires an exhaustive level of detail. “We do a lot of work in understanding our productive capacity,” says Dickerson, Grain Farmers of Ontario's’s director of market development and sustainability. “We keep an eye on what volumes are produced every year, the plantings, the shifts between the acreage of different classes of wheat or IP beans versus commodity beans. We understand the quality attributes for those grains in which quality is a decisive factor when it comes to sourcing or maximizing use of the grains.” “That’s a big world out there. That’s why we can’t just put a fence around Canada.” —George Morris, June 1993
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 11 continued on page 12 A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT What sets market development in Canada apart from other jurisdictions are efforts among different commodities and their provincial and national grower organizations. Nationally, Cereals Canada and Soy Canada represent wheat and soybean valuechains, respectively, including Ontario growers through the Grain Farmers of Ontario membership in those organizations. The collaborative effort amongst these groups lends itself to continued diligence where market development is concerned. For instance, Grain Farmers of Ontario conducts an annual wheat harvest survey across all four of its classes, with intensive milling and baking tests. It brings that insight to domestic millers – to compare what they're seeing at their mills – and then in tandem with Cereals Canada, works to promote those quality insights to international millers to try to build new demand in an attempt to create new markets. Soy Canada runs a quality lab in conjunction with the Canadian Grain Commision. Grain Farmers of Ontario supports with funding and participates in Soy Canada's trade missions. Ontario growers benefit from insights garnered from those missions, including demands of Japanese markets or work with researchers and plant breeders. “We tend to punch above our weight as a provincial group and we’re very involved in international market development work,” says Dickerson. “Part of it is because we’re the largest production region for soy, so we're very involved with Soy Canada. We only grow about eight per cent of Canada’s wheat but 85 per cent of Canada’s winter wheat, so we’re engaged in helping Cereals Canada promote that class.” Ontario’s also the largest production region for corn with more than 60 per cent of the country’s crop. Although there’s Soy Canada, there isn’t a Corn Canada, and corn doesn't fall under Cereals Canada. “We do a lot of leadership with corn and promote its priorities and support market development issues.” It's a lot of engagement with trade missions abroad: Dickerson notes there have been ongoing efforts to maintain wheat milling with Mexico plus recent initiatives with Europe, Ecuador, Columbia, the Dominican Republic and Nigeria, now Ontario’s fourth largest export market. Then there are similar missions – inbound and outbound – with Japan, Taiwan and China for soybeans. Some buyers are interested in commodity beans at the lowest prices while others, like Japan, have specific quality and culture-related standards. A ‘GREAT NEWS’ STORY As attractive as those far-flung markets and buyers may seem, the U.S. remains an important market for Canada and particularly for Ontario, something Josh Boersen understands. A farmer from the Stratford area, District 9 (Perth) director and a board member with Cereals Canada, Boersen agrees with Dickerson’s view that the U.S. remains a vital trading partner and history leans towards maintaining that status. A research paper from Dalhousie University in June 2025 underscored that value, with bilateral trade in agri-food with the U.S. worth $72.6 billion in 2023 – roughly $1.4 billion per week. “We're beholden to what happens there,” he adds. “With cereals, there is a bigger concern, especially for Ontario. There might be secondary markets in Mexico and recently we've been doing more missions into Latin America and Mexico specifically to highlight our cereals and target those markets, and there's good reception for our products.” On the other hand, he notes that what took 50 years to build is not going to shift significantly in the short
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 12 continued from page 11 term. The best Ontario agriculture can do is continue to build those trade opportunities. But like it or not, geography is either this province’s greatest ally or weakness, especially considering the cost of shipping grains internationally. As Boersen notes, agribusiness trade was going on long before Trump came to power and it will continue to go on long after he's gone. As enticing an idea as increasing export opportunities or domestic demand for commodities grown in Ontario may be, there’s also the question of protecting access to those markets. That includes competing interests globally, “unscientific perspectives” (mostly among consumers) or regulations that don’t account for modern agricultural practices. Trying to build upon where the market has been and where and how it will develop within the current global environment is a noble cause. But Boersen offers a reminder that as Ontario produces more commodities, the onus is on the industry to find them a home. “I maintain the perspective that a rising tide raises all ships and expanding Canada's brand globally – whether from Ontario's perspective or from Canada’s – is going to benefit Canadian agriculture,” he says. “We can't silo ourselves from the national interests just because we have unique products in Ontario, especially with soft red winter wheat.” Nor are tariffs or other trade actions unique to the U.S. The European Union and the United Kingdom had a significant tariff on Canadian soft red wheat – until recently. That was resolved via the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU and the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement. In the past couple of years, Ontario wheat has begun shipping to the UK and southern Europe, primarily for feed purposes. MIXED MESSAGING For the soybean industry in Canada, market development is also not a new concept but something that predates the formation of Soy Canada in 2014. It’s now a key part of the organization’s mandate to support the industry, whether from the vantage point of its exporter members or its value-chain customers. But balancing stakeholder concerns is also challenged by information that isn’t always accurate. For instance, Brian Innes states that any Canadian goods covered in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement do not have tariffs applied to them, including soy and soy products. “The largest uncertainties affecting Canadian soy are what the U.S.-China relationship is and what that means for U.S. soy exports to China,” says Innes, executive director of Soy Canada, adding that the U.S. is pressuring international customers. “As the largest economy in the world, the U.S. has a unique position which allows it to impose its will on others.” On a recent mission to Indonesia, Innes met customers who had signed agreements to increase purchases of U.S. soy and agri-food products. The impact of the agreements is not yet known but if followed, they would require more purchases of U.S. soy and consequently, less Canadian soy.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 13 LEAD THE FIELD. brandt.ca 1-866-427-2638 PROVEN PRODUCTIVITY. Get the best residue management and seedbed preparation in fewer passes with the new Brandt High-Speed Disc. More Speed Spend less time in the field with operating speeds of 10 to 14 mph, and our easy-to-use wing down-pressure system. More Uptime Purpose-built components with a robotically welded frame and greaseless bearings ensure near-zero maintenance for more uptime and durability. More Options Choose from seven unit sizes and a variety of discs and rollers that are perfectly suited to your field, conditions, and desired finish. In spite of such a looming threat, all stakeholders in Canada’s soybean sector are involved in a long-term view of building value. The market development efforts of Soy Canada revolve around three key elements: assist the value chain in communicating with customers, promote Canadian soybeans and create opportunities for members to grow soybean exports. “In promoting Canadian soybeans, we connect our value chain with our customers, helping to increase understanding and ultimately increase the value our customers see from Canadian soybeans,” says Innes. “We serve the needs of our members and the industry, including commodity and food-grade soybeans. When market disruptions occur, product continues to flow from origin to destination – it’s just that disruptions change who trades with whom and for what value.” Soy Canada’s market development work helps to create a resilient reputation for Canadian soybeans so that regardless of what disruptions may occur, customers will continue to value the product. “The recent U.S. disregard for its trade commitments is injecting significant doubts about their reliability in our customers’ minds,” says Innes. “Yet Canada is a trusted supplier for our customers and this is something that’s resonating, now more than ever.” •
Hayley Vinkovic A reputation for quality Canada-wide soybean testing program evolves Ontario is Canada's leading soybean producer, contributing an average of 60 per cent of the country's total output with consistently strong yields. This success is driven by ongoing breeding advancements, a rich history of innovation, effective agronomic practices, and programs dedicated to supporting the growth of soybeans. One of the key programs driving soybean growth in Canada has been the Soy Quality Program at the Harrow Research and Development Centre, operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). For over 30 years, the Centre played a vital role in supporting Canada's food-grade soybean industry through the renowned Soy Quality Program, which provided independent, third-party analysis of Canadian food-grade soybean varieties. The program delivered reliable and valuable data on the quality and performance of Canadian soybeans, supporting the soy value chain by enabling international and domestic buyers to make informed decisions about variety selection and ensuring that the beans they use meet specific end-use requirements. In November 2023, it was announced that AAFC would discontinue the long-standing Soy Quality Program. The announcement raised significant concern across the industry, as it marked the end of a highly prominent program and a resource that had long been valued for its market insights, stability, and direct benefits to producers and processors alike. In response, Soy Canada led a collaborative effort with key stakeholders from across the value chain to help ensure the program's future and shape a new Soy Quality Program. Grain Farmers of Ontario played an active role in this initiative, contributing expertise, resources, and producer perspectives to ensure the program continues its vital work in advancing the quality, competitiveness, and reputation of Canadian-grown soybeans, including those grown right here in Ontario. In October 2024, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) officially assumed leadership of the Soy Quality Program, marking the start of a new chapter for this vital industry initiative. With its longstanding expertise in grain quality assurance and regulation, the CGC is uniquely equipped not only to preserve the program's trusted legacy but also to drive its growth, innovation, and impact for years to come. WHAT THE SOY QUALITY PROGRAM OFFERS Under the CGC's leadership, the Soy Quality Program continues to provide the independent, science-based quality data that Canadian farmers and exporters rely on. The program operates through two key testing streams: • Food-grade variety testing: This stream provides public quality data for existing and newly developed soybean varieties. This helps ensure consistency and transparency for growers and buyers alike and supports informed decision-making across the supply chain. • Soyfood performance testing: dives deeper, focusing on the end-use performance of early-stage varieties and commercially important lines. These tests are especially valuable for exporters and seed developers targeting soy-based food products such as tofu, miso, and soymilk. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 14
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 15 In its first year under the new structure, 27 seed companies and exporters participated, with over 1,600 variety trial samples tested and published. This strong start demonstrates the program's continued value and integrity. Delivering early results while maintaining integrity and consistency is crucial to the program's success. When asked about the success of the first year of the Soy Quality Program under the CGC and Soy Canada leadership, Brian Innes, executive director of Soy Canada, said, "Our first year with the Canadian Grain Commission has gone really well. We're seeing our customers want to know more about how they can collaborate with the program, which shows us they have confidence in it and see the value it provides." The Soy Quality Program didn't end, but it evolved. Thanks to collaborative industry leadership by Soy Canada and the transition to the CGC, the program is poised to continue driving value for Ontario farmers, exporters, and the broader agrifood sector. In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, the Soy Quality Program is a powerful example of how Canada is investing in the future of foodgrade soybean quality and innovation. PROMOTING ONTARIO'S SOYBEAN EXCELLENCE ABROAD Recently, Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomed a delegation of eight soybean buyers from Japan as part of a Soy Canada inbound mission. Japanese buyers source Ontario soybeans for a wide range of premium products, including soy sauce, tofu, soymilk, and other specialty foods. This visit highlights the strength of the trade relationship between Ontario and Japan, and reflects the continued global demand for Ontario's high-quality, identitypreserved soybeans. Looking ahead, Grain Farmers of Ontario will continue to champion Ontario soybeans as they participate in the upcoming Soy Canada outbound trade mission to Asia. This mission will further strengthen international connections and showcase Ontario's world-class food-grade soybeans to key buyers across the region. Hayley Vinkovic is Grain Farmers of Ontario's market analysis specialist. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 16 Andrea Fujarczuk The whisky circle From farm to bottle and back again Don Livermore, master blender at Hiram Walker, has a favourite quote: "Canada was built on whisky,"—and he means it literally. Most people are unaware that taxes on distilled spirits in Canada date back to 1794, whereas income tax wasn't instituted until 1917. This means that distilleries were a key financial factor in the country's development for over 150 years before Confederation. And while most people envision a faceless distiller in a dark distillery, many early Canadian distillers were immigrant farmers who carried on the traditions they learned in their European homeland to ensure no grain went to waste. THE BEGINNINGS Hailing from across Europe—England, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond— many of these immigrants grew up in tightknit farming communities. They learned how to run a farm, produce high-quality grains, and, most importantly, never waste good product. And as some of these farmers developed a surplus of grain, they knew exactly what to do with their excess product. Rather than risk their quality grains spoiling, a great way to preserve them was to distill them into liquid gold, or Canadian whisky. For farmers, it was, and still is, a win-win. They developed a circular economy with a symbiotic relationship. Any product left over from the distilling process was considered a highly nutritious byproduct and was sold back to farmers as livestock feed. Not only were these farmers innovative and adaptive, but they were also resourceful. After producing whisky from corn and wheat and receiving feedback that it could use more flavour, they returned to their roots and used a grain that many had grown to love on the other side of the ocean—rye. Known for its spicy, peppery notes, rye was the perfect addition to transform the once-boring spirit into a flavourful and bold whisky. Although tasty, rye proved tricky to distill, and farmers once again got creative by using the art of the blend. Since rye was so powerful in flavour, they were able to capture the taste and aromas of rye without it being the majority grain in their whisky.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 17 This led Canadian farmers to develop a distinct method of producing whisky. While most other distilleries around the world thrive on creating a mix of grains in advance of fermentation, which produces a preconceived product at the end, Canada has started to use a very different technique. By fermenting the grains individually and then blending them, Canadian distillers use each grain to craft a variety of complex and flavourful whiskies. It's almost like offering a painter a palette of infinite vibrant colours with which to paint, ultimately allowing the blenders to showcase one grain and using others to heighten the flavour profile. As some farmers grew their production, they established independent distilleries. These early producers took their time crafting highly sought-after spirits, allowing them to age in barrels for several years before releasing them to the public. In fact, due to the renowned reputation of Canadian whisky as smooth, Canada was the first country in the world to establish minimum aging requirements. This action not only protected the reputation of Canadian whisky but also inspired other countries around the world to do the same, making Canadian farmers an integral part in shaping the Canadian whisky industry, as well as the global whisky industry. WHISKY TODAY The action by these farmers helped to create Canada's whisky identity today. Unlike many other countries, Canadian whisky is highly associated with a single grain: rye. Not only that, local craft distillers today have started to embrace the grain even more by using specialty and heritage grains, a valuable market for distillers and farmers alike. This approach not only showcases the connection between the farm and the final product but also allows for greater traceability and authenticity. And by mastering the art of blending, they created a trend that the rest of the world is only now beginning to adopt, and what they call innovative, Canadians call historical. Today, much of the Canadian whisky industry resembles its origins. The quality and consistency of grain remain an integral part of producing smooth, flavourful Canadian whisky, and farmers continue to lay the groundwork for the world-renowned products. In fact, distilleries across Canada purchase approximately 320,000 metric tons of corn each year, making them the fourth-largest purchasers of Ontario corn. This demonstrates not only the importance of farmers to the distilling industry but also to the broader economy. Today, the Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario, is one of the largest in North America. As a company, Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. expanded by acquiring other major distillers like Gooderham & Worts and J.P. Wiser. The facility is now one of the largest purchasers of corn in Ontario and has the capacity to produce over 55 million litres of alcohol. This contributes significantly to the overall value of Canadian spirits, at $3.1 billion in 2023/2024, according to Statistics Canada. ONTARIO'S GRAIN FARMERS Hiram Walker's relationship with the grain remains close; every incoming truck is meticulously inspected, with samples taken to ensure the moisture content is acceptable. The strength is evident when you meet local grain farmers like Grace Pearson, a 4th-generation Ontario farmer. Her face beams with pride as she stands in her fields with her dog, Maggie, and talks about the commitment she and her husband have to running the family farm. She knows that her product goes to Hiram Walker, and to make their world-famous whisky, they need to start with the highest quality grain. This provides a consistent profile to ensure that, regardless of where someone is enjoying their product around “Canada was the first country in the world to establish minimum aging requirements. This action not only protected the reputation of Canadian whisky but also inspired other countries around the world to do the same. Grace Pearson, director of District 1 (Essex), on her farm in Essex County. Pearson hosted a tour of her farm in July for whisky enthusiasts. continued on page 18
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT 18 continued from page 17 Mixable with UAN and Urea solutions providing 2 critical nutrients to a young plant - potassium and sulfur! Manufactured in Canada for Canadian Farmers visit us online: alpinepfl.com or call: 1-844.655.BIOK (2465) Scan For More Information! Guaranteed Nutritional Analysis: lbs per litre applied Soluble Potash (K20) ................................... 0.528 Sulphur (S)....................................................0.167 ALPINE K19-S 0-0-19-6S Powered by: the world, it tastes the same as it did the last time they drank it. And she knows that magic in a glass starts in her field. The association between farmers and distillers may not always be obvious, but it is strong. Whether represented by the word "rye" on a bottle showcasing Canada's early innovators or highlighting creative blends that craft the best of the best, Canadian grain farmers have always been and continue to be the foundation of the distilling industry. They have helped establish expertise, innovate, and position Canadians as leaders on a global platform. The high-quality grain they produce shines through in every drop of Canadian whisky—and you can truly taste the difference. Andrea Fujarczuk is a professor in the School of Wine, Beer, and Spirits at Niagara College and coordinates its Artisan Distilling program. She recently participated in a tour of farms and distilleries in southwestern Ontario, sponsored by Grain Farmers of Ontario. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER CROP SIDE 19 Soybean leaves, stems, and pods are a food source for various insects. Most years, the amount of feeding does not warrant control in Ontario. But, in dry years, it is not uncommon to find individual fields or parts of fields that reach control thresholds. Japanese beetle feeding was high in 2025. This insect is easily identifiable by its bright, metallic-green head and coppery wings. Adults also have 12 white tufts of hair along the boundary of their wings (see Figure 1). Sometimes, the beetles are difficult to find, and only the leaf damage is evident. Since grasshoppers and other insects may also be feeding in the same field, it is helpful to distinguish the difference in feeding appearance between these two insects. Japanese beetles leave a distinctive "skeletonized" or lace-like appearance, feeding between leaf veins (see Figure 2). Grasshoppers (Figure 3), on the other hand, create ragged holes in the leaves and also feed on the petioles, stems, and pods (see Figure 4). Control measures are warranted for both insects if leaf feeding reaches 15 per cent when soybeans are at the R1 (beginning flower) to R4 (full pod) growth stage and 25 per cent at the R5 (beginning seed) to R6 (full seed) stage. Please visit the Ontario Crop Protection Hub online, the official crop protection resource of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, to find pest management and crop protection options available in Ontario for these and other pests. • Japanese beetle and grasshopper feeding in soybeans Jake Munroe Crop side with... Horst Bohner, Soybean Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Figure 1. Japanese Beetle Figure 2. Beetle feeding Figure 3. Grasshopper Figure 4. Grasshopper feeding
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK 20 Grain MPPs learn about drought impact On August 20, MPPs Ric Bresee and Tyler Allsop, along with Minister Trevor Jones from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, toured the farm of Grain Farmers of Ontario's chair, Jeff Harrison, in Quinte Region. Joined by Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO Crosby Devitt, Harrison highlighted the impact of drought on the grain industry and emphasized the importance of government risk management programs. Women’s Grain Symposium Registration is now open for the 2025 Women’s Grain Symposium, December 9-10, 2025, at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre. Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium is an opportunity for networking, professional development, and leadership development. It is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or working within the grain sector or agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers. The cost to attend the symposium is $150, which includes one night hotel accommodation at the Delta. Space is limited. New this year—Professional childcare services (provided by All About Kids) are being offered free of charge during the event. Please indicate whether you will use this service during online registration. Thank you to Agriculture Wellness Ontario for their support of this initiative. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/about/womens-symposium/. 2024-2025 financial statements Grain Farmers of Ontario held its Annual General Meeting on September 9 at the Craigowan Golf Club in Woodstock. The financial statements for the 2024-2025 fiscal year (June–May) were presented by the auditors, RLB LLP, at the meeting. The financial statements are included in this issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer on pages 32-37 for the easy reference of all farmer-members. The financial statements can also be found in the 2025 Annual Report, available online at www.gfo.ca/about.
Join the conversation Visit www.gfo. ca/GrainTALK for news, updates, and information for Grain Farmers of Ontario farmer-members. GRAIN TALK 21 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER Inbound Trade Missions In July, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a delegation of African millers from Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Uganda to showcase the quality of Ontario-grown Canadian Eastern Soft Red Winter (CESRW) wheat. The visit was part of a week-long Technical Exchange program organized by Cereals Canada. In September, Japanese customers who are highly invested in the quality and consistency of Canadian soybeans visited Canada. Members of the Japan Tofu Association were hosted by Soy Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario to see firsthand how Canadian soybean varieties are developed, how soybeans are grown, and how the Canadian export and processing system works. The incoming delegation included representatives from Japan’s top tofu makers, food manufacturers, and importers. Grains in Action Grain Farmers of Ontario’s popular young farmer program for those aged 19-35 will be held February 9-12, 2026. Grains in Action is a tour-based program, with stops that highlight the different aspects of the grain value chain. Tour stops in 2026 include the Port of Hamilton, Solio, G3, LAC, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Ingredion, JP Wisers, ADM, and Pride Seeds. Grain Farmers of Ontario covers the complete cost of the program, including meals, bus transportation to tours, and hotels. A $100 refundable deposit, returned after completion of the program, will hold your space. Young farmers who are enrolled in college/university with the intent of working on the farm after graduation; or those who have been actively farming for a couple of years and are looking to learn more about the grain industry and Grain Farmers of Ontario. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/about/grains-in-action/.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK 22 Good in Every Event Good in Every Grain has been participating in summer events across the province! The popular Grain Discovery Zone participated in more than 15 fairs and consumer-facing events, with the Markham Fair (October 2-5) and the Norfolk County Fair (October 8-13) still to come. Drop by to say hello to Grain Farmers of Ontario’s communications intern, Sarah. Good in Every Grain also exhibited at the Canadian National Exhibition and the International Plowing Match, where staff and farmer-members engaged in thoughtful discussions with consumers about grains and grain farming. Next up, the Grains on the Go trailer will be on display at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, November 7-16. Annual District Meetings Grain Farmers of Ontario is beginning to plan for the 2026 January District Grain Committee Meetings. Be sure to check www.gfo.ca for updates on the date and location of your district’s meeting. Details will also be published in the GrainTALK Newsletter in upcoming issues of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine as they are finalized. The Annual District Meetings are called to elect voting delegates and directors for the coming year. Updates on the organization and grain industry issues are also provided at these meetings. All barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers are welcome and encouraged to attend. Market Commentary By Philip Shaw In the September 12th WASDE report, the United States Department of Agriculture increased corn production by 72 million bushels, pushing the projected record total up to 16.814 billion bushels. This happened despite a 2.1 bushel per acre cut in the 2025 yield, down to 186.7 bushels per acre. The U.S. planted corn acreage was increased by 1.4 million acres to 98.7 million. Anticipated corn demand is at a record high of 16.06 billion bushels. U.S. domestic soybean yield was actually cut to 53.5 bushels per acre with planted acreage at 81.1 million acres and harvested acreage to be 80.3 million acres. This brings the total soybean production to 4.301 billion bushels. In Ontario, soybean harvest has started in drought-induced fields across the province. As of mid-September, a large premium for early corn is apparent, as old crop is gone. The Canadian dollar, fluttering at the 72-cent U.S. level, is helping sustain cash grain prices. Port infrastructure video The role of port infrastructure in supporting Ontario’s agricultural growth and global trade is more critical than ever. A video published by Grain Farmers of Ontario in September highlights how modernizing ports and seaway systems enhances market access, drives job creation, and ensures food security. Strong ports lead to stronger farms, and when farms grow, Canada grows. This video explains why investing in port infrastructure is essential for a prosperous future for Ontario’s grain farmers and the broader economy. Watch the video on the Grain Farmersof Ontario YouTube channel, @grainfarmersontario.
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